Services Offered
Tours & Activities

Monica Laird: Art Exhibitions and Workshops

Monica Laird, one of the leading watercolorists in the Caribbean, has been living and working in Puerto Rico since 1986. Laird believes that the environment of the island is very much reflected in her work. “Puerto Rico is a small island with an incredible combination of diverse cultures, religions and physical environments, all flourishing together under one roof. The people offer a social and cultural tapestry as rich and luxuriant as the tropical foliage covering the land. I try to capture the excitement and intrigue of such complicated dimensions in my paintings.”

The artist’s students, who come from the Caribbean and the United States, range in experience from the very beginner to the practicing professional. Most notably was a recent private lesson for actress Jane Seymour, an experienced artist in her own right. Laird has tailored several exhibition and workshop ac-tivities to suit the particular needs of a wide variety of groups. The events can be staged at the hotel or other venue of choice.

Reflections of El Yunque – A Private Exhibition
This exhibition, which presents a collection of the artist’s work for viewing, can occur during a function such as a banquet, breakfast or evening party. The artist will set up an exhibition space and will be ac-cessible for questions and conversation about the work and her life on the island. The artwork on dis-play will be available for sale. This activity is designed for any size group.
Duration: 2-3 hours (flexible)

Puerto Rico Tapestry – A Private Exhibition and Demonstration
This activity is a combination demonstration and lecture on the artist’s approach to her work, what she hopes to accomplish with her paintings and their relevance to the people who view them. While speak-ing, Laird will demonstrate one of her painting techniques, starting and finishing her project during the course of the lecture. She will then be available to the clients for questions. The pieces on exhibit are available for purchase during the course of the event.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour for demo, exhibit 2-3 hours (flexible). Designed for large groups

Artist in Residence
Perched in a hammock, watching the artist work, the client sees the magnificent tropics through TWO SETS of eyes…his own and the artist’s. The artist works on site around the pool and beaches from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (or lobby area in case of rain). Guests are invited to sit with her, watch her work and bring their own materials to work along side her.
No Minimum, Maximum 10 (if all sitting together at one table – otherwise no max applies)

“Waterworks” Watercolor Workshop
A fun and challenging way to spend a morning or afternoon, this workshop offers the student the oppor-tunity to learn the basics of watercolor while surrounded by luxurious tropical ambiance. Participants receive all the necessary materials, including a mat with backing for framing their masterpieces. Laird, an entertaining and engaging speaker, creates a fun environment in which participants learn both about painting in general as well as watercolor.
Duration: 3-4 hours. Minimum 10, Maximum 25

“Be Me, Be We” Group Painting Project
This unique project is an opportunity for your clients to relax, “play together” and bond. And the best part is that there is no making mistakes! Starting spontaneously and abstractly, Laird will bring the piece to a recognizable finish. Then, with paint and crayons at hand, each artist/participant is encouraged to contribute in whatever way he or she desires to the one overall painting. When the painting is finished, it is cut into smaller paintings so that each person is able to take part of the project home. The cuts are determined beforehand so that the participant will not receive the marks he or she made. The partici-pants therefore appreciate the results of working toward a common goal.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours. Minimum 10, No Maximum

Make Your Mark Group Project
The artist begins by demonstrating a loose and spontaneous painting, starting off abstractly and then bringing the painting to a recognizable conclusion. The group is then presented with a single, large piece of paper on which to make their “marks”. Each participant is offered his/her choice of color(s) and encouraged to go at it with no worry of the consequences. The result is a paper filled with random, indi-vidual brushstrokes and/or smaller paintings. For the final step, the artist takes the painting back to her studio to finish it. This generally entails introducing a structure and a focal point (if possible, a logo) to the painting while maintaining the integrity of each mark made on the paper. The final masterpiece is matted, framed and presented to the person or persons of choice. Many choose to hang the paining at corporate headquarters. Upon request, the artist will be pleased to write a brief description of how the painting came to be.
Duration 2.5–3 hours. Minimum 10, Maximum 450

Reproductions Price List – For prints of the finished painting for the participants

Option I
6’’x8’’ gloss coated prints, text of your choice on the back, available as loose prints only - $5.00 each

Option II
Limited Edition giclee reproductions – Using a top of the line IRIS printer, the images are reproduced on 140 lb. watercolor paper with deckled edges. The reproduction quality of the image is superb, with true archival quality color and subtleties. Each print is signed and numbered by the artist.

11’’x15’’ loose print - $120.00 each
16’’x20’’ double matted and wrapped for protection - $150.00
16’’x20’’ framed (conservation matting, glided wood frame and UV protective Plexiglas glazing) - $275.00 each

“Paint a Piece of Painting” Group Painting Project
Often used as a fun side activity during the last evening of a convention, this unique painting project al-lows your participants to let down their hair, let loose some of the creativity inspired by their symposiums and have a ball. With paint and crayons in hand, participants are encouraged to “let ‘er rip!” on a large piece of watercolor paper. As each sheet of paper becomes filled with your clients inspirations, it is then cut randomly into small “paintings’ and handed out to the revelers throughout the event. Participants take home a little treasure, not found, but created, in the Caribbean.
Duration: Tailored to group. Minimum 25, No Maximum

Rates
Reflections of El Yunque - A Private Exhibition
$500.00 | No Min/No Max
Puerto Rico Tapestry - A Private Exhibition and Demonstration
$800.00 | No Min/No Max

Artist in Residence
$500.00 | No Min/Max

10 Waterworks Watercolor Workshop
$250.00 per person | Min 10/Max 25

Be Me, Be We Group Painting Project
$150.00 per person | Min 10/No Max

Make Your Mark Group Painting Project
$8,000.00 | Min 10/Max 450

Paint a Piece of Painting Group Painting Project
$25.00 per per-son | Min 25/No Max

Prices are subject to change.

Authorized clients can view current rate and availability information by accessing their online accounts.